Marlene Stollings has reached out to as many high school coaches in Minnesota as possible in her first few weeks as Gophers women’s basketball coach.

But her priority has been trying to hire a coaching staff to help her build relationships and recruit.

In an interview with the Pioneer Press on Tuesday, Stollings, hired on April 7 to replace fired coach Pam Borton, talked about wanting to add Nikita Lowry Dawkins, one of her assistants at Virginia Commonwealth, to her coaching staff, plus the goals she has set for stars Rachel Banham and Amanda Zahui B.

Q: Dawkins, your top assistant at VCU, attended your introductory news conference. Will she be on your staff here?

A: Well, she was a finalist at VCU for the head-coaching position there (but is no longer up for the job), so we’ve been working through that. I certainly want her to come with me, so I’ve been battling that a little bit. I’m trying to make it advantageous for her to continue on with me at the BCS level rather than to take over a mid-major program. It’s my hope that I’ll have her on board as a Gopher soon.

Q: You both played at Ohio State. What does it mean to have a chance to coach with her in the Big Ten?

A: It’s extremely attractive. It’s where both of us got our start at the college level. She’s in the Hall of Fame at Ohio State and is a four-time Olympian. So for us to be back to this level together in a coaching capacity I think is certainly attractive. We’re competitors. At the end of the day, we’d like nothing more than to win championships and got to Final Fours at this level together.

Q: What was your conversation like with former coach Pam Borton’s staff when the decision was made not to retain them? Did you consider keeping Kelly Roysland, a former Gophers player who grew up in Minnesota, on staff?

A: All of the coaches I interacted with, Kelly being one of them, I was very well received by them. We had a couple different open discussions. Kelly expressed that she wanted to move on with her career at this point in maybe a little bit different capacity. I respect that, and her decision to do so. From the director of (operations) to Kelly, the folks that have been around have been very helpful. They want nothing more than for this program to excel. That part has been extremely genuine.

Q: Do you still want to have a person on your staff with Minnesota ties?

A: It remains a priority. I feel it’s imperative to have someone on staff that’s connected to the region and knows the region in and out. We’re working very hard to make that happen. It’s wise to do that and have someone from a recruiting standpoint that understands the state and the surrounding areas. Our goal above all else is to have the most qualified, highest caliber people around me as possible. That’s most important.

Q: Have the Minnesota high school coaches told you what they hope to see from your program?

A: I think one of big things is how eager everyone I talk to is about us succeeding and wanting this program to get back to national prominence. They’re on edge almost about, ‘Let’s do this. Let’s make this happen. How can I help you?’ Just being very genuine about wanting us to succeed at a very high level.

Q: What are your goals for All-Big Ten guard Rachel Banham next season?

A: She and I have met and I’ve already challenged her a bit to increase some of her training. Today on the court I will be able to show her some of the things I want her to work on over the summer. We’ll have access to them somewhat in the summer … two hours a week. I think her game can grow as much as she’s willing to invest time in helping it grow. She’s extremely talented. There’s another level I would like to take her to over the next four to five months to help her become even more of an elite player.

Q: What about Amanda Zahui B., who set the Big Ten record for rebounds this past season as a freshman?

A: Amanda is special, there’s no question about it. She’s going to be a pro. There are so many parts of her game that I think will improve drastically from footwork and to her ability to score and defend. Foot speed and quickness … there are a lot of areas we want to tackle. She’s a special player you don’t often get. We’re going to do our best to utilize her talents and gifts, and challenge her to take her game to another level.

Q: Have you thought about how you will use top recruit Carlie Wagner as a freshman?

A: The thing that comes to mind first about her is that she’s a winner and a scorer. That’s a good combination. We’re looking forward to getting her here in June and getting to work with her, seeing where her game is compared to the adjustment it will take to play at this level. Certainly, she brings a couple of intangibles to the table that mesh well with our system and what we want to do.

Q: Are you looking to add any more players to next year’s roster?

A: We are looking at a few options.

Q: Your teams play a fast-paced, up-tempo style. How much will you have to adjust your style and expectations facing Big Ten teams?

A: I think there are some similarities and differences in the levels. But at the end of the day, it’s all relative. It’s no different than that if you can recruit, you can recruit anywhere. We’ll certainly tweak some things to make it advantageous for this level. But at the core of what we do, that part won’t change. I certainly think we have pieces of that personnel to start implementing it right away. Absolutely.

Q: What have athletics director Norwood Teague and associate AD Mike Ellis told you about the basketball practice facility for men’s and women’s basketball?

A: Without a doubt, it’s a priority for the administration. I’m sure they are going to get some dirt moving as quickly as possible. I know there’s a lot of support in the community from a donor perspective. They want us to have this and get it done. It’s certainly on the radar and is something we want to have happen as quickly as possible.

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